Morning Jules,

Was just wondering how you got on when you visited your Mum this week, and also how your daughter got on at hospital?  I do hope things are not too stressful for you and that you can try and have a relaxing weekend.

I'm waiting for my eldest to come home, he has spent somewhat of Freshers sleeping on fellow pupils floors after social events - latest was a toga party last night!  I'm off to my counsellor this morning, had originally been thinking I wouldn't need to see her for too much longer but have been so emotional this week so will talk things over with her.

The weather is forecast to be nice this weekend but is looking a bit gloomy at present.  Here's hoping it brightens up and the sun shines on us all.  Take care  Hope x

Hi Hope

Hope you visit to the counsellor was helpful and its good for you to be able to talk things through and this should last as long as you need it.

I have just returned from visiting Mum and she was ok though I am sure a little concerned at how long she will be able to stay where she.  She has amazed the staff at how forthright she was when social worker 'interviewed' her and they are left in no doubt as to what she wants. All the care staff came to see me whilst I was visiting to make sure I was okay too - very sweet.  I stayed until she was due to go into lunch and we even managed a bit of a laugh when I showed her latest photos of her great grandson.  He has really enjoyed his first week in Reception and keeps telling his mum that his teacher is the most beautiful one in the school!!

Hubby and I picked him up from school on Friday as my daughter had to return to hospital for a second day of tests and monitoring.  Specialist blood tests with regard to her liver function have been sent off and unless she hears otherwise she returns to clinic next Friday.  The last set of bloods were borderline but all readings for the baby were good.  If the new blood tests show certain 'rises' she may have to be taken in and possibly induced (she is now 37 weeks and would probably welcome is being over and done with!!).  Anyway so far so good.  I have an overnight bag ready and waiting and she has several friends on standby to get her to the hospital if her hubby is at work.  Mind you she is still driving herself at present!!

When we met our grandson at school (its only 10mins to his home) he told Grandad that he could meet us there as it was healthier to walk!!!  My hubby's face was a picture as he drove off and I walked the little tyke home!!

Life's stresses seem to come and go but having the forum to offload certainly helped me to see things in perspective this week though I think my mood swings are more due to hormones than current circumstances.

Sounds like your eldest having a great time during Freshers but will no doubt be looking forward to some home cooking.  Have a great weekend with the family and will catch up again soon.  All the best and look after yourself. Jules xx

Hi Annabel

Good to hear from you but bet you cant wait to see your daughter, son in law and little Ava.  You will be in granny mode or are you being called nanny?  I am constantly thinking the phone is going to ring even though my daughter still has two weeks till her due date (you know how quickly that can change!!).  Have to say it does not matter how  down you  may feel, children in general can just make you smile by what they do and say - an experience you have to look forward to with Ava I am sure.  Hope all the family are keeping well and I will look forward to hearing all about it when you get back from your visit.  They say a change is as good as a rest but I suspect you will need another rest when you come home.

Daughter is having specialist midwife team appointment tomorrow so they can do more specialised check up instead of standard clinic today.  She says it makes her feel more relaxed knowing she is in such good hands and of course the grandparents are on hand to do the school pick up tomorrow which helps her enormously as she can relax at the hospital and not worry if timings over-run.

Am hoping, if all is well during the day, that we will get out for our Friday night with friends, me at the bingo as usual and the other half down the pub for a wee dram with his mate.

Hubby currently trying to come to terms with not being needed at work so much (busy last week 4 days, this week only 1!!) and know this is a very big problem for him as he has always been a workaholic and he is now struggling a bit with the concept of being at home more than at work.  However, when I suggested he could always do the easier household jobs like the washing up he was not amused.  Though he has suggested he could 'run me about' tomorrow if needed, bless him.

Take care,  Jules xx

Hi Brian

Thanks for you kind words once again.  You talk of changing your profile picture - never mind a squirrel, how about  just 'NUTS'.  Great that you and your wife were able to get  out to the farm shop. IT has been a lovely day here again and would imagine a drive was a lovely way so spend some time  (and farm shop food well worth the trip!!).  As to nuts at Waitrose surely by  now they see you coming and have arrows marking the way to offers (loyal customer truly rewarded). Do they have a suggestion box?

And so to Mum.  Finally had a telphone call from her social worker at 4.15 to bring me up to date.  Apparently Mum made all the right noises as she was shown around the flat being offered, lovely lounge and she could see people passing by, no point showing me the kitchen as I wont be able to use it!! Shown the communal lounge on site and they were about to take her to the dining area (where she can be taken for meals!!) when she told them it was all v.nice but she needed to get back to HER CARE HOME as her tea would be ready and she did not want to miss it.  When asked how she felt about moving there she said 'No thank you'.. Then she complained that they took the long route home and they had better not be late (they weren't).  By this point I was struggling not to laugh (think they now know what they are up against).  I have been asked to point out to my Mum that there will be no help from them if she turns the flat down and that her money wont last long!!  b.cheek!!!  Then I should contact them tomorrow (after I have 'encouraged Mum' to take up the offer (I dont think so!!) and that I should also point out that it would be in her best financial interests.  I was very polite (difficult) and told her I will visit my Mum, ask her what she thinks and if she is adamant that she wants to stay put (and pay for as long as she can afford it), then so be it. This is not what they wanted to hear but I have no intention of upsetting my Mum and if she wishes to spend her money for her own benefit I would be DELIGHTED.  So this particular soap opera continues!!  Somehow I am now managing to see the funny side of all this (how wicked I sound) and am thus coping better.  At least I am forewarned before I visit tomorrow and will also be having a chat with the Home Manager who has been tremendous support to us both.

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy those special purchases you made today.  As to the new washing machine I am just a little jealous

Best wishes  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

I hope your hubby is feeling a bit less emotional, must be very hard for him but also very hard for you and it's not always easy to think before we speak.  I did laugh about the washing up though!  I had a nice day out shopping, another friend from work also came and we spent the day looking for baby clothes for somebody who is leaving next week to have a baby.  Looking at baby girls clothes (she knows its a girl), such sweet pink clothes - I'm not used to that having had 2 boys!  Somehow makes you realise the circle of life, constant birth and constant death. Anyway feeling slightly better, still a bit fragile but think I actually feel almost traumatised by this year's events.  I hope it all goes well visiting your Mum tomorrow.  Let us know.  Hope x

Good morning Jules,

Thanks for the reply. The way you wrote about how your mother talked to the reinforced S.S. brigade really made me smile. She sounds quite a determined lady and good for her in not letting them  bully her in to changing her mind. When you came to the point when you said she told them they'd better not be late getting her home for tea, I just couldn't help but laugh. I hope you don't think badly of me for that but I would have loved to have seen the look on their faces when your mother told them that. Well done for her. I know you want the situation sorted and I can well understand how you feel but at the end of the day it's your mother decision if she want to stay put. You don't sound wicked at all Jules, please don't think that.

With regards to Waitrose and arrows indicating directions to the nutty area, the cobb nuts are at one end of the store and the frozen chestnuts are at the other end. They are using a bit of psychology here Jules as they understand if they keep both lots far apart, I might be tempted by other items while travelling on route. I think they are well aware I am the instigator of Brianitus and have acted accordingly.They know how things have a habit of falling into our trolley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have got to put a new floor down in our conservatory as the old chipboard flooring is like me, nearing its sell by date and beginning to fall apart. Have got everything ready, just have to summon up the enthusiasm which is sadly lacking at the moment.

Hope you have a peaceful weekend and do hope the visit to your mother goes well. Take care, Brian.

Good Morning Brian

After quite an absence I am so pleased to see you are still here and keeping everyone amused. I hope you and your family are all doing well, it looks like you are? My family and I are having a lot of ups and downs. My poor dads prostate cancer is now terminal and we are in the last stages which is really difficult to deal with. My poor dad as determined as he is, is now struggling to do basic tasks and for such a fit and independant man this is hard. We had a lovely family holiday to skye last week as it is his favourite place and as we had a big cottage we had such a good time together (happy memories). I am broken hearted Brian watching my dad suffer and my mam for that matter. The worst part of it all is the feeling of been so useless that you cant take any of it away for him. I am so glad that you made a good recovery because the thoughts of other peoples dads going along this road is so upsetting. We are waiting for the hospital to do a brain scan as the only place left without cancer at the moment appears to be there, however with tumours showing on the skull they are not looking too hopeful. This information has been kept from dad as I dont think he really need to know this. You really would not believe how well my dad is coping Brian I am so proud of him.

I am as always sending my kind thoughts to you.

Connie xxxx    

Good morning Connie,

Thanks for updating us. There is another thread I replied to where another lady said she also feels so helpless. I know I did when my mother was slowly slipping away from breast cancer which spread to her brain. We see our loved ones slowly getting worse and there is nothing we can do to stop the cancers progress and this is so hard to deal with as I know all to well. 

I am so pleased you had a lovely family holiday and hope you made some happy memories that will help you in the future for they are something not even time can take away from you. Whenever I feel the loss of my mother, I have many happy memories that help me cope with the sadness that hits me. 

My mother was also a very fit and independent woman and even at the last she was more worried about me than she was for herself. Connie, we have every right to be proud of our parents for they have helped shape the person we have become and I feel convinced that your father is very proud of you and loves you very much, which in turn helps him cope so well.

Have they offered your father Abiraterone. It is for men with advanced prostate cancer and is is supposed to give men several more months. I know It is not suitable for every man but thought I would just mention it for some hospitals are reluctant due to it's high cost.

Please keep us updated when you can and anytime you want to talk I and other will do all we can to help.

Take care, I am sending best wishes to you, your father and your family, Brian.

Hi Brian

Dad is on Abariterone and predonisolone and has been now for 2 month but unfortunately I have just found out that his psa has gone up agian. He is on 2 weekly appointments and we will just have to wait and see what happens. He is also now requiring blood transfusions 2.5 weekly. We keep joking we are making a series of casualty! I know dad is on the best treatment he could have all considered and if it buys us a few months Brian then it is extra months together and we are grateful for whatever time we have.

Thank you again for your kind words and support and I will keep in touch.

Love and Hugs

Connie xx  

Hi Jules,

Just managing to catch up with various threads on here and managed to track you down to this new one! I'll need to be brief as I'm finding even the little things like typing messages, quite an energy drain!

Sorry to read that the situation with your mum's care is still, as yet, unresolved, although hopefully, when she has made her decision, the ball can get rolling. I hope your hubby feels a little better over the coming days too. Sounds as if he's been working hard!

Lovely to read that your grandson is settling into his new school life so well. Our school offers a similar phased entry over the first fortnight of the new school year, and the system really seems to help the children settle in before they realise that they're 'in the system' for the next 13+ years!!!

Hope your daughters appointment goes well today too and that you manage to get all the jobs done that  you've listed! You'll certainly deserve your night out tonight at Bingo. Good luck for a healthy win!

Jules, You are like a plate spinner, you manage work, hubby, mum, daughter, grandson, home etc etc as well as offering your wise words of support to others on this forum! Like so many others, a true superstar!

Enjoy the weekend and I hope the sun shines wherever you are.

Best wishes, Jo xx

Thanks Brian

Eat plenty of nuts and in a couple of days you may find your Brainitus is rewarded by being proud of another job well done(though I dont envy you have to lay a floor!!)

Spent the morning chatting to Mum and there is no doubt she is prepared to stay where she is as long as her own funds allow.  Seems to have some 'mojo' back and has told me to tell the social services to leave her alone as she is determined to stay where she is whilst she can afford it.  I have duly followed her instructions (I dare not disobey) and so have both telephoned and e-mailed the 'final decision' to decline their offer of sheltered housing and she has specifically asked them to stop badgering her about it!!  Well that told me and them and I am so proud of her.

Its been quite a week and I shall be glad to go to my bingo night having put this subject 'to bed' at the moment.

Now I can concentrate on lifting hubby's spirits.  He has now been officially 'retired early' (found out Tuesday but delayed telling me as he felt I had enough going on!!  - was quite cross with him but he has always put others first (its one of the things I love about him )).  Think we are facing another period of re-adjustment  but he is looking foward to our new grandchild's arrival and being able to help our daughter if the need arises hopefully will make him realise he is still  'there for us' as much as we are here for him.

Hope you have some time for R&R over the weekend.  Take care and virtual hugs for listening to this 'old girl' ramble through life's ups and downs.

Jules xx

Evening Hope

Pleased your enjoyed your outing with friends, just nice to be able to relax and choosing baby clothes is a lovely way to cheer yourself up a little.

I managed to get my hair done and then went to see Mum and had a lovely relaxed chat (she was definitely on the ball today!!).  She told me in no uncertain terms that she would not take up the offer made by Social Services now and would be happy to spend her last penny staying comfortably looked after where she is now.  She was not too happy that they had asked me to try and change her mind - b......... cheek, its my decision, my money and tell them the decision is final and not to bother me any more!!  As a good obedient daughter I have relayed the message (they were a bit put out!!) by telephone and confirmed by e-mail so I have a written record.  Personally I can understand her reasoning (but kept my opinions to myself to avoid being accused of being a bad influence on her decision) and will try not to worry about the future when her funds are gone.  I have to say when I put the phone down to the social worker I felt much more relaxed and hopefully for the time being this 'mini headache' has been put to bed.

Hubby a little brighter today and has to accept that he faces a life of leisure now.  Finally told me that he has been asked to take early retirement (did not want to worry me whilst I was dealing with Mum- I was a little cross but his kindness is one of his endearing qualities) and so another period of re-adjustment is upon us (we knew it would come one day but that does not make it any easier for him to acknowledge) during our cancer journey.  Thankfully when the new grandchild comes along my daughter will be only too pleased to have an extra pair of arms to hold the baby or do a jigsaw with our elder grandson.  We picked the little one up from school this afternoon and he was full of beans and had me playing hide and seek around the flat followed by several jigsaws.  We need to do a trip to the toy shop to get some with more pieces as the 65 pces were done very quickly!!

Well shortly off for our night out and then think daughter and grandson coming to keep us company tomorrow morning as son in law is working tomorrow a.m.  Weather permitting (its been great the last couple of days) I will be gardening at some point too.

Have a relaxing weekend and chat again soon. TAke care Jules xx

Evening Hope

Pleased your enjoyed your outing with friends, just nice to be able to relax and choosing baby clothes is a lovely way to cheer yourself up a little.

I managed to get my hair done and then went to see Mum and had a lovely relaxed chat (she was definitely on the ball today!!).  She told me in no uncertain terms that she would not take up the offer made by Social Services now and would be happy to spend her last penny staying comfortably looked after where she is now.  She was not too happy that they had asked me to try and change her mind - b......... cheek, its my decision, my money and tell them the decision is final and not to bother me any more!!  As a good obedient daughter I have relayed the message (they were a bit put out!!) by telephone and confirmed by e-mail so I have a written record.  Personally I can understand her reasoning (but kept my opinions to myself to avoid being accused of being a bad influence on her decision) and will try not to worry about the future when her funds are gone.  I have to say when I put the phone down to the social worker I felt much more relaxed and hopefully for the time being this 'mini headache' has been put to bed.

Hubby a little brighter today and has to accept that he faces a life of leisure now.  Finally told me that he has been asked to take early retirement (did not want to worry me whilst I was dealing with Mum- I was a little cross but his kindness is one of his endearing qualities) and so another period of re-adjustment is upon us (we knew it would come one day but that does not make it any easier for him to acknowledge) during our cancer journey.  Thankfully when the new grandchild comes along my daughter will be only too pleased to have an extra pair of arms to hold the baby or do a jigsaw with our elder grandson.  We picked the little one up from school this afternoon and he was full of beans and had me playing hide and seek around the flat followed by several jigsaws.  We need to do a trip to the toy shop to get some with more pieces as the 65 pces were done very quickly!!

Well shortly off for our night out and then think daughter and grandson coming to keep us company tomorrow morning as son in law is working tomorrow a.m.  Weather permitting (its been great the last couple of days) I will be gardening at some point too.

Have a relaxing weekend and chat again soon. TAke care Jules xx

Hi Jules,

I'm glad to hear you had a nice time with your Mum, she certainly sounds like a lady who knows her own mind (I have commented also on my thread).  I say good on her, more elderly people should be allowed to make their own decisions but unfortunately they often get muddled with all the red tape and people talking at them (and who can blame them), but your Mum sounds like she really is holding her own.

It must be difficult for hubby to accept early retirement if he has been forced, however what with a new grandchild coming very soon I'm sure he'll make good use of his extra time and hopefully that will take away some of the feelings he may have about it.  Adjustment is something all of us on here have to face one way and another isn't it?

The weather here this morning is looking promising so fingers crossed for your gardening.  I have a quiet weekend planned, eldest is off to a river boat trip on the Thames with med sch, so another night crashed on somebody's floor!  Speak soon.  Hope xx

Hi Hope

Well the gardening went on hold as we had my daughter and grandson until about an hour a go when my son in law got home from work and they have gone off to buy presents for several of our grandson's friends birthdays.  Have managed to get all the washing dry (and am thinking about the ironing but no too much).  With a little bit of luck the weather will hold tomorrow and I am planning to clean the bird feeding station and then shop for new feeders/food in readiness for the return of the wild birds in the colder months.  Already the robins/blackbirds are making the odd appearance now that the mornings are cooler.

Hope you managing to have a stress free day  (is there such a thing these days) and am sure your elder son is enjoying the social side of uni (my son did and 7 years on still keeps in touch with his former  house mates even though they come from different parts of the country).  They still manage to meet up from time to time (the last time was a couple of months ago when one of the lads was passing through the area on his 'narrowboat' home and they all went to see him, bicycling along the towpath to keep up and then stopping for lunch.  Its a whole new world to explore for them and I really used to enjoy hearing all about it when he was home during the holidays.  How is your younger son enjoying being back at school?  I expect he is being kept busy too.

Look forward to chatting again soon. Take care  Jules xx

Hi Jules,

Well it sounds like you have a great day with your grandson, I notice from your post to Brian that your grandson has a scooter - I remember them so well with my boys, I used to love to have a go myself!  Fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow so you can get into the garden then.  I'm off to watch youngest play football in his new team tomorrow - it's all a bit serious now at his age (under 17s).  You asked me how he was doing back at school, well he is now in a new school for 6th form (his secondary didn't have 6th form), it is one of the top schools around here and he is enjoying it and busy studying 4 A levels.

Well wishing you a good night's sleep and speak soon.  Hope x

Morning Hope

Feels a lot later as some disturbance down our road at 3.15 a.m. meant another interrupted night but at least it was not my fault.  Still the bonus of early mornings is housework now all finished and we are having leisurely breakfast (funny hubby appeared just as I finished all the ironing!!).  Our grandson gives us lots of pleasure (and our daughter and son in law like that he can play outside) and he happily plays in the garden. They live in a first floor flat and though they have access to a garden its not the same as being able to open the door and not have to physically be out there at all times.  He knows his Mum does not like worms so what was the first thing he bought in! We normally see them at least once a week but with the new addition due soon they have popped in a little more (bless them they always text to see if its okay even though we have always had open house policy - it we are in always pleased to see visitors). When our children went through school (I then worked at home proofreading) our stairs resounded with the noise of after school gang, especially with our daughter and even now when we see them out and about with their own families in tow they remember the days of squash and biscuits - simple pleasures).  Our son was more of a 'go to other friends' places and had outside hobbies and as I  have never driven and hubby worked away quite a lot of the time they both got used to walking and public transport from a very early age and even though they both now drive they still walk whenever its possible (as they say not only is it better for them its cheaper too!!)

Hope the football game goes well. The weather here is windy but bright so when the temperature gets up a bit I think I will get outside (unless I am catching up with a doze on the sofa!!)  You have too very bright lads that must make  you and your husband so proud. Enjoy the rest of your weekend and will catch up again soon. Take care.  Jules x

Hi Jules,

I have been catching up with the news in your family, especially about your Mum. She sounds quite a character.

Your daughter will be getting to the stage when she will be glad to have the baby and get her body back. I remember that stage of pregnancy, I felt like a beached whale. !!!!!!

I am so glad to  the grandson is enjoying school and keeping you young!!! I look forward to all of that with little Ava.

Off to London tomorrow for a few days. Unfortuneately I have to return Thursday for a doctors appointment on Friday.

It will be lovely to see my daughter and son in law as well.

Hope you've had a good weekend

best

Annabel. xx

Hi Jules,

I guess you are probably feeling tired now what with your early start - I'm envious that you got all your housework done, mine is still waiting!  I've been to football which took up a lot of the day, then over to the house for more clearing.  There is so much to do it feels like it's going on forever, still I think we are slowly getting there.  It's always a bit upsetting going through things, but I'm trying to focus on the good memories now.

Like you I always like a noisy house, and used to love my sons friends coming over to play when they were little.  Nowadays with the addition of X Box everyone seems to stay in their own houses and play on-line!  Well it will soon be October so not long until your new bundle arrives, bet you can't wait!  Have a good week and hope all continues OK with your Mum.  Hope  xx

Morning Hope

.

Well made it through to about late afternoon before I had a power nap!!  Had a pretty quiet day which has helped though I did manage to do a bit in the garden and also took myself for a leisurely afternoon walk (not one who can sit around all day and it was a beautiful day).  Hubby spent much of the day dozing (probably due to be able to relax as we had no visitors) or watching me do the housework (something I am having to get used to!! ).

Certainly clearing the house is not easy task physically let alone mentally.  Helped with my mother in laws many years ago and that was difficult.  When my Mum  moved into care we cleared the flat but I still have around six large boxes of her bits and pieces sitting in our spare room as it does not feel right to do anything with them whilst she is still with us even though she does not want  it. (Also if she does have to move again in the future she would have to completely re-furnish as the sheltered housing situation would be unfurnished - though trying not to dwell on that though now!!).

Bet your son was happy to have your support as he started with the new football team and its not something I relate too as my son preferred cricket and never really became interested in footie so I have never stood and watched a whole match!!!  No one in our family ever really been into football so maybe that explains it. I love to watch other sports on the tv and hubby used to race cars (pre children) so would spend a lot of our 'date' at race meets (750 club class) - those were the days.  Still love to watch cricket which I used to go to with my Dad from a very early age and also tennis.  Was never sporty myself other than having to join in at school but have always done a lot of walking.  Both my parents loved to walk (and did not drive) and we spent many an hour at weekends walking on the Heath.

Well I am thinking I had best clear up my breakfast washing up as otherwise it will be waiting for me when I get in from work .  Have a good week. Chat soon. Jules xx

Afternoon Jules,  Hope you've had a good day.  I've been feeling a bit down today for no apparent reason (well other than the obvious); just part of the journey I'm on I guess.  Still the sun is shining now and I've finished work so not all bad!

Can relate to watching cricket, youngest also played cricket for several years, so just when the football season finished I'd be out again all Summer watching cricket!  Can't say I ever really understood it, but had some pleasant days drinking and chatting on the pavillion!  He gave it up a few years back now so at least I have the weekends to myself during the Summer now.

Off to make dinner now and take some relaxing time for myself tonight as hubby working late. Have a good evening.  Hope x

Hi Hope,

Maybe you feeling a little better today.  Think Monday's are often a 'low' day as at the weekend we have family around us and enjoy the feeling  of being needed/supported.  Then the weekday comes and its off to work and we have to make an effort to be in control (pushing our own feelings down to be able to cope).  I am having a lazy morning as this is a non work day and later today we are picking up our grandson with our daughter (so we find out where his new classroom is) as he is now doing full hours (and still loving it thankfully).  We are going through the strange transition of hubby being at home all day (hard for him I know) following early retirement being mutually agreed last week.(the travelling was getting too much and physically he knew the time was right).  Sadly there is not much he can do without getting breathless and he spends his day sitting in the chair and I am learning to have to work round him (very strange). I dont think even I realised how much working meant to him as he is now like a child who has lost his favourite toy and think he is now very sad and feels he has no purpose.  Me and the kids are doing our best to get him as involved as he can be in 'our world' as we want him to have a good life whilst he is still able but this is clearly difficult for him.  His next routine appointment is at the end of the month but other than that we are trying to focus on the forthcoming new grandchild as a positive and making memories with the family.    He has just reminded me that his prescription will be ready for collection today so will see to that later.  For now I hear that the weather is going to be warmer later so a bit more gardening seems in order.

Love the way you are supporting so many others on this site Hope and feel your own experiences will help them with their understanding that we are never alone when forums such as this exist.

Take care Jules xx

Good morning Jules, Hope & Annebel,

The day has started very well for me. I took my wife shopping at Mr Tesco's this morning and I am very surprised you didn't hear my shout of joy. I was looking round the greengrocery department and found they had new seasons Chestnuts in stock. They only had 4 bags left but not any more for I scooped them up and dumped them in our trolley as quick as lightning. When we got to the checkout, my dear wife  gave the cashier chapter and verse what a nutty husband she has. I cant disagree with her very well can I ??????????????.

Jules, I hope you are keeping well. I forgot to mention that you have now been a very valued member on this site for over a year now and just wanted to say thank you for the support you have given both to me and many many others during that time. Your well chosen words of comfort and understanding are I know appreciated by so many people on here. I only found this forum by chance, read a few post and have been hooked ever since and during my time have made the acquaintance of so many lovely caring people.  With regard to your husbands retirement Jules, I have just looked up engineering forums and found at least six of them. One of them give the chance to comment about recent developments ect, and just wondered if this might be of interest to your husband. I just typed in engineering forums. Just a thought anyway.

Hope, Like Jules I hope you are feeling better today and also the way you respond to so many others on here. I just love this forum and they way everyone uses their own experiance to help others.

Annebel, I hope you have a great trip and enjoy seeing the new addition to your family.

Ladies please take care and will talk again soon, Brian